The Allen & Heath SQ7+ is a game-changer for live sound engineers, offering a familiar yet enhanced mixing experience. This console is a testament to the manufacturer's commitment to innovation and customer feedback, resulting in a significant upgrade to the SQ platform. As a seasoned SQ-7 user, I was eager to explore the new model, and my initial impressions were nothing short of impressive. The SQ7+ is a sleek and refined evolution, addressing many of the original console's limitations while preserving its core strengths. The learning curve, which was once a challenge for me, has been significantly reduced, thanks to subtle yet impactful changes in layout and software improvements. The new console feels like a natural extension of the SQ range, with a familiar interface that allows for efficient and creative mixing. The software enhancements, particularly the 96kHz XCVI on-board processing core, unlock a world of advanced effects and channel processing, elevating the SQ7+ to a new level of capability. The addition of premium reverbs, delays, de-essers, and multi-band dynamics processing is a game-changer, offering a level of detail and sophistication that was previously out of reach for SQ users. However, the inclusion of RackUltra FX as an add-on is a bit of a letdown, as it should have been a standard feature. The console's physical changes, such as the improved rotary encoders and reduced glare, enhance the overall user experience, making it a joy to work with. The SQ7+ is a testament to Allen & Heath's ability to strike a balance between innovation and tradition, resulting in a console that is both familiar and cutting-edge. In my opinion, the SQ7+ is a must-have upgrade for SQ users, offering a significant leap in capability and sound quality. It is a console that will undoubtedly become the go-to choice for live sound engineers seeking a reliable, versatile, and feature-rich mixing solution.
